Winnie Odinga arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Thursday, carrying her late father Raila Odinga’s iconic white fedora hat, a symbol that has long defined his public persona.
The hat, photographed earlier in Mumbai, India, where Raila’s body lay, captured the attention of Kenyan media and social media users. Resting on a beige seat in the waiting area, it sparked speculation about whether it had been left behind or deliberately set aside, as if anticipating its journey home.
For many, the white fedora was more than a fashion accessory; it was a visual shorthand of Raila’s presence, worn during public functions, ceremonies, and moments of significance. By personally carrying it at JKIA, Winnie transformed the hat into a poignant emblem of continuity, connecting personal grief with national mourning.
Raila Odinga, who passed away on October 15, 2025, at the age of 80, was received at the airport at 9:33 am by dignitaries including President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta. Security concerns and massive crowds disrupted initial plans to transfer his remains to Lee Funeral Home and Parliament Buildings. Authorities later redirected the body to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, to manage the overwhelming public turnout.
Winnie Odinga’s gesture of carrying the hat underscores the enduring legacy of her father, a leader whose white fedora had become synonymous with dignity, respect, and Kenyan political history. In this symbolic act, the nation witnessed a daughter honoring her father while the public shared in collective remembrance.
